Community Corner

Baldwin Park Employee Named "Unsung Heroine"

Elizabeth Cortez, from the City of Baldwin Park, Julia McNeil Senior Center was among the 2013 Women of the Year.

Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano, who is currently serving her eighth term representing California’s 32nd District, honored 15 women who had been nominated by volunteer organizations for exemplary service.

The 2013 "Unsung heroines" - Women of the Year ceremony, was held at the Grace T. Black Auditorium in El Monte last Friday May 10th. 

“These remarkable women work tirelessly to improve our community through their volunteering,” Napolitano said. “They rarely receive the praise they deserve for the endless hours they put in behind the scenes, but we all feel the impact of their selfless efforts. This award is one way to express our deepest gratitude and say thank you to these outstanding women.”

Each woman’s name was submitted by their volunteer organization or community group which felt their contributions deserved special recognition. Napolitano gave out the awards and thanked the women personally.

The 2013 Women of the Year:

  • Elizabeth Cortez, City of Baldwin Park – Julia McNeil Senior Center – Baldwin Park
  • Brenda Reuter, Irwindale Chamber of Commerce – Irwindale
  • Ester Ybarra-Bryant, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services – West Covina
  • Maria Huante, San Gabriel Mountains Forever – El Monte 
  • Jasmin Arlene Ramirez, Alta Med Health Services Corporation – El Monte
  • Lilian Rey, City of El Monte – El Monte
  • Mellanie Villarreal, The Vet Hunters Project – El Monte
  • Silvia Solorio, Foothill Family Services – El Monte
  • Tawni Patrick, Covina Lion’s Breakfast Club – Covina  
  • Michelle Gearhart-Pash,  City of Hope – Duarte  
  • Margie Green, San Dimas  Chamber of Commerce – San Dimas
  • Elizabeth Ann Ramirez, City of Azusa – Azusa  
  • Vicki Scheliga, West Covina Lion’s Club – West Covina 
  • Jeanine Scott, Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills – Monrovia 
  • Ellen Young, City of Glendora – La Fetra Center – Glendora

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